Deciduous
- alternate, oval leaves 10-15cm (4-6in) long, narrowing at the base. Young leaves are reddish green, turning to glossy, dark-green as they mature and, sometimes, to orange and scarlet in the autumn.

Hardy - average winter
- Hardy through most of the UK apart from inland valleys, at altitude and central/northerly locations. May suffer foliage damage and stem dieback in harsh winters in cold gardens.
Plant can withstand temperatures down to -10°C (14°F)